John Alan Carnahan is a sought-after conductor, composer, clinician, and author. He has conducted ensembles nationally and internationally at prestigious music conferences including the College Band Directors National Association National and Regional Conferences, the American Bandmasters Association National Conference, and internationally in Korea, Japan, and Europe. The Los Angeles Times, hailed his Bob Cole Conservatory of Music University Wind Symphony as “…thoroughly disciplined and euphonious!”

Professor Carnahan has guest conducted numerous All-State Honor Bands, university bands, and professional ensembles nationally and internationally. In addition, he served as a music performance consultant for the renowned Dallas Brass.

As an award-winning composer, his music is performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. His works have been featured in numerous publications including the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series and the Band Masterworks series.

As a clinician, his innovative and thought-provoking presentations on ensemble rehearsal techniques and conducting have been presented across the globe, including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL.

As an author, his book The Wind Band Sound-A Definitive Guide to Ensemble Intonation has become a standard text on the subject. The book is the first of a three-part The Wind Band Sound series publication.

Michael T. James (he/him) is currently pursuing a doctor of musical arts degree in wind conducting at UCLA, where he serves as a teaching assistant for the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Marching Band. He brings with him an extensive background in public school teaching in Washington state. He has led students in performances at the Washington Music Educators Conference, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has been recognized by the 5th Avenue Theatre (Seattle) and Jazz at Lincoln Center. James earned a bachelor of music education summa cum laude from Pacific Lutheran University and a master of arts in conducting from Truman State University. His primary conducting teachers include Travis J. Cross, Dan Peterson, and Raydell Bradley.

Nicholas M. Junker (he/him) is currently pursuing a master’s degree in wind conducting with Travis J. Cross at UCLA. Nicholas received his bachelor of music education from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, where he studied conducting with John Stewart and percussion with Jeffery Crowell. During this time, Nicholas served as the director for the University Athletic Band as well as the drum captain and percussion arranger for the Blugold Marching Band. His notable performances include appearances at CBDNA, ITEC, and PASIC. Nicholas spent five years as the band director at Ellsworth High School in Wisconsin, where he established a marching program and student leadership program. This leadership program was the basis of his presentation at the 2019 Wisconsin state music convention. From 2019-2022, Nicholas worked with the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps on the administrative team.